Argumentative Essays
What are argumentative essays?
1. The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires you to investigate a
topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the
topic in a concise manner.
a.
An argumentative essay should have a clear, concise, and defined thesis
statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
2. In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by
reviewing the topic in a general way.
3. Next the author should explain why the topic is important or why readers should
care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement.
Thesis Statements
1. A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, includes the points
discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience.
● Example Thesis Statement: “Throughout the novel, Hester’s selflessness
and strength are displayed through her character and actions.” - Essay
about Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter
2. To simplify a thesis statement, it can include the topic of your three body
paragraphs.
a. For example: Kirishima Eijiro is an important character in My Hero Academia
due to his character development, traits, and friendships.
●
My first paragraph would then be about his character development.
● The second would be about his character traits.
● The third would be about his friendships with other characters.
Transitions
Argumentative essays should have clear and logical transitions between the introduction,
body, and conclusion.
● Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the
idea that is to follow in the next section.
● Example: Since my current paragraph would be about character development, I
would then transition to character traits, like this:
Due to his character development, Kirishima’s character traits are able to evolve.
When taking Kirishima’s character traits into consideration...” (Next paragraph)
I would then spend this paragraph talking about his character development, and my last
sentence can look like this:
“Kirishima’s ability to fight against his insecurities is what makes him able to create bonds and
friendships with the characters around him.
One of the most important aspects of Kirishima’s character is his friendships.” (Next
paragraph)
Support:
In argumentative essays, your body paragraphs should include support.
● Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will
allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay.
● It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have
some connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some
paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected
during research.
Your body paragraphs should include evidential support (whether factual, logical,
statistical, or anecdotal).
● The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current
information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view.
● Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis.
○ a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions
not aligning with the thesis.
An example of support for my hypothetical essay would be:
Kirishima’s character development is important to the plot of My Hero Academia. This can be
seen in Volume 11, Chapter 90 of the manga where Midoriya states, “It's gotta be you, Kirishima.
You are the key to making this successful ” (Horikoshi).
Conclusion
A conclusion does not simply restate your main idea, or thesis, but readdresses with the
evidence, or support, provided.
● This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on
the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical.
● Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, summarize the
information presented in the body of the essay.
● Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis.
Example: You can restate each part of your thesis with something you discovered in your
research.
“Kirishima Eijiro is an important character in My Hero Academia due to his character
development, traits, and friendships. [Thesis] His friendships with Bakugo Katsuki are important
due to his ability to save him when he was captured. However, his character traits are also an
element that makes his ability to save him integral to the plot. This can all be connected to his
character development, where Kirishima is able to overcome his insecurities and fears to save his
best friend. [Restating my research]
Works Cited
Horikoshi, Koehi. End of the Beginning, Beginning of the End. Japan, Shonen Jump, 2016. Print.
Vol. 11 of Koehi Horikoshi’s Boku no Hīrō Academia.